FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Council is a prime example of where this emerging political alliance is being tested.

— Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
Because permits, cabins and prime-season slots move quickly, most operators recommend booking well in advance rather than waiting for last-minute availability.

— Ashley Lynch July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

After a terrific collegiate career, Stanek was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick in the 1st round of the 2113 MLB draft.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The ancho chili Caesar salad is a terrific appetizer to share, as are both types of shrimp aguachile verde.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Stafford, who led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes last season, found wide receiver Puka Nacua for a pair of deep connections, one of which was a stellar one-handed grab in traffic.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 28 July 2026
As the defense adjusts to its new look at the offense looks to remain consistent after a stellar 2025 season, the goal will be to carry over what the team accomplished as a unit in the offseason program.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.

— Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

The other great piece of news is that, yes, this will get a localized release with multiple language support, something that the original PlayStation Portable version never had.

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

— Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The original room also has mannequins showing off fashion-forward outfits from the winners of the Liberty Fabrics x Graduate Fashion Foundation Competition, with lots of lovely clashing patterns and textures.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
While this verdant island makes a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic on a sunny day, art lovers have two additional reasons to make the trip.

— Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

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